Low thyroid

Good lord, painting AND tuna fish? Well say hallelujiah for the healing power of exercise, I'm surprised you didnt' succumb much sooner! Wow!

The thyroid sends out more than a 100 different hormones to regulate various metabolic functions. Here's a good quote:

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Inadequate secretion of thyroid hormone leads to a general slowing of all physical and mental processes. There is a general Depression of most cellular enzyme systems and oxidative processes, and as metabolic activity of all cells of the body decreases, reducing oxygen consumption, decreasing oxidation of nutrients for energy and producing less body heat.
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So basically, it means things aren't getting done in your body that are supposed to be getting done. You're the walking dead when you have low thyroid. You're not self-repairing anymore and you're not utilizing food properly for energy needs or restoration. That's why low thyroid people tend to gain weight, lose hair and get alligator skin.